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Common problems

A common problem we see every day at Papandreas Orthodontics is crowding of teeth. This problem is often accompanied by protruding or “buck teeth”. Crowding can give the appearance the teeth are oversized or too big for the size of the jaws. However, this is not always correct. Often, it is not a tooth problem, but because the size of the jaws is too small or narrow to accommodate the teeth.

Orthodontic improvements

Throughout the years, orthodontists have approached this issue in different ways. In the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, the most common practice was to remove permanent teeth to make room. Dr. Samuel Papandreas recognizes that tooth extractions may not be necessary with many crowded jaw situations. The removal of permanent teeth may result in a lack of lip support or reduction of a patient’s profile. While the reduced profile may be acceptable in younger years, the reduction becomes more pronounced with the aging process and less flattering as they grow older. For this reason, correct treatment diagnosis when considering tooth removals is critical to the outcome of a good long term result.

Due to these aesthetic considerations, extensive research, and technological advancements in the field of orthodontics, many orthodontists have altered their view on how best to deal with crowded situations. Today, a non-extraction therapy is preferred rather than extracting permanent teeth in most treatment plans for children and adolescents. Instead, the treatment focus is on encouraging jaw growth to properly house all the teeth and is most successful when children and adolescents are still growing and developing.

This type of treatment usually is based on the use of specialized appliances and newly designed braces which can move teeth further and faster than traditional braces of old. Successful non-extraction therapy results in a more pleasing long-term facial balance and improved bites. It is recommended that children be checked out by an orthodontist by age 7 or 8 to find out if they are a candidate for this type of treatment.

For more information contact our office for a complimentary orthodontic consultation. Dr. Papandreas and the Papandreas Orthodontics Team will be happy to help you determine if your child would benefit from this type of orthodontic treatment.

Oral piercings of the tongue, lips, and cheeks are growing in popularity and acceptance, and are considered a way to express ones personality in an art form like tattoos. However, did you know the human bite can be more “toxic” than an animal bite? Keeping this in mind, imagine what could happen to your mouth with oral piercings that collect additional food and debris (that breed bacteria and germs) while banging against your teeth over 1500 times a day when you swallow… Read more

Have you ever experienced sensitivity in your teeth when drinking hot coffee or eating ice cream? How about when brushing your teeth? Ever wonder why this happens? Most of the time it is due to enamel wear of teeth. When this happens, the dentin (sensitive part of the tooth) is exposed and left vulnerable to all kinds of painful experiences, depending upon how severe.

You may not realize it but mouth guards are worth their weight in gold. If you think about it, the use of mouth-guards and the reasons for using them isn’t that far removed from orthodontic technology and the principals at Papandreas Orthodontics we employ to create a beautiful and healthy smile for our patients! Read more

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that parents understand the early warning signs of an orthodontics problem and recommends kids be evaluated by an orthodontist by age 7 – 8. Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and a greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Well timed intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.

There are many different types malocclusions or bite problems that require orthodontic treatment at Papandreas Orthodontics. Below is a list of the most common orthodontic problems seen today in children, teens and adults.

Contact our office to schedule a consultation to determine how we can help you with your orthodontic needs. It is not necessary to have a referral from you general dentist to take advantage of this complimentary service we provide to all our patients. Read more

Lollipops are a cavity on a stick and soda is pure sugar in a can. Candy and soda cause your teeth to decay. You’ve been taught this since grade school. This is not news, is it? Well, what about the fact that sports drinks ruin your teeth, too? Heard that one before?

The team at Papandreas Orthodontics want to make sure you understand sports drinks can damage healthy teeth. Actually, “erode” is more like the term, especially around the brackets while wearing braces. These sort of drinks erode your teeth by “demineralization,” or reducing the minerals in the outer tooth enamel and also the dentin (“dentin” is a yellowish, calcified tissue underneath the tooth enamel). It doesn’t affect the enamel underneath the braces covered by the brackets. Read more

When parents visit Papandreas Orthodontics, it is not uncommon for parents to worry if their child’s baby teeth do not fall out on time. Infants rollover, sit, walk, and talk at different stages of their development. The same is true when your child is losing baby teeth. There are some developmental issues which require professional attention, but in general, what should parents expect when their kids start losing baby teeth? Read more

Orthodontist Dr. Samuel Papandreas knows that not all kids are happy about wearing braces, especially teens. If teeth are slow erupting, a problem develops during a pubertal growth spurt, permanent teeth don’t erupt properly, or finances were an issue, your child may not be a happy camper. Wearing braces between the ages of 11-14 is the most common age for treatment and normally the age of least resistance in most cases. However, after that, be prepared for opposition.

Your first discussion sets the stage for how your child accepts or rejects the news they require treatment at Papandreas Orthodontics. Allowing your apprehension and fears to surface can impact how your child responds. Read more

https://drpapandreas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/logo-dr-papandreas.png00Dr. Samhttps://drpapandreas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/logo-dr-papandreas.pngDr. Sam2013-03-15 14:55:162016-04-14 05:38:03Not All kids are Happy Wearing Braces in North Royalton OH – Good Communication Paves the Way

Busy lifestyles and a multitude of distractions make it very difficult for kids and families today to eat a meal together. Most of us at Papandreas Orthodontics often find ourselves eating on the run between busy work schedules, dance lessons, sports practices and games, school activities, karate lessons … the list is endless. Not to mention how difficult it is to steer our kids away from the distractions of computer games and TV. Read more

I have seen several orthodontists but Papandreas is the best. From the first free consultation all the way until I finished the final consult and post-treatment, they were super nice and very professional. Unfortunately, I have missed two appointments due to some transportation issues, but they rescheduled them on the very next day without any questions. I had a problem with my scheduled payment and I called them and they were very helpful and everything went smoothly. I definitely recommend them, and you cannot find better service than what they offer. Honestly, it was an amazing experience, and the results were fabulous and better than what I expected.

Dr. Papandreas and his entire staff are amazing! You can really tell they are all passionate and love what they do. The office is always so clean and decorated for the seasons which makes visits fun! I highly recommend Dr. Papandreas to anyone looking to change their smile!

The ENTIRE Team was AMAZING!!! Kind, patient, thorough, and friendly! We never felt rushed through our visits and everything was explained so clearly. My daughter’s smile looks gorgeous! I would recommend others to have a consultation with Dr. Papandreas and see for themselves!

Dr. Papandreas Orthodontics was a pleasurable experience from the first exam to the last day when the braces were removed. Professional and friendly staff, everything new, clean and state of the art. All businesses should be conducted in the same manner. The next governor of Ohio should be Samuel Papandreas, and then he should become president - our country would be happier and healthier. My daughter Zina's smile and appearance, along with her confidence and outlook, have improved 100%.